A year after releasing his book, “Root: A Memphis Hops Dream,” former UofM basketball fan favorite Nathaniel Root was back on campus last week, sharing lessons from his own path and weighing in on where college basketball stands now.
Root, now 45, spent three seasons with the Tigers from 2000 to 2003 after arriving as a walk-on. He said the familiarity still hits him whenever he returns.
“When I come back to games, people recognize me,” Root said in a press conference with the Daily Helmsman.
His story started without much attention out of high school, but he worked his way onto the roster and eventually earned a scholarship. That climb, Root said, came from effort and consistency, the kind of approach that made him a trusted option when the team needed someone to step in for an injured player.
Root also had thoughts on how the college game has shifted since his playing days. He said NIL deals have taken away some of the loyalty that used to define the sport. In his view, the transfer culture is far different now than it was in the 2000s, when movement between schools happened only occasionally.
“If I play at four different unis and my eligibility is up, where am I an alumni at?” Root said.
During his time at Memphis, Root played through the arrival of John Calipari, whom he credits with changing the way the city viewed the program. Calipari was added to the University of Memphis’ Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“He brought this mentality, this excitement into the city,” Root said. “And this city, I don't care whether you were the top guy or the bottom guy, they treated like you were a rock star. And that was what was so special about this city and this atmosphere of Tiger basketball.”
Root said he sees some of that same energy in Penny Hardaway, the current Tigers coach. Even now, he likes staying connected to the program, visiting campus, talking with coaches and keeping close to the team whenever he can.
That connection made it easier for him to appreciate where Memphis stands now.
“I know we had a rough year last year,” Root said. “But I think the excitement of what it can be this year… I think he’s got the right players, he’s got the right staff.”
The Tigers opened this season by beating then-ranked No. 18 Iowa State last Tuesday, a result that gave fans something to latch onto after a difficult stretch. Root said bringing those fans back comes down to one thing: “Win.”
He also made time to speak directly to journalism students who cover athletes, offering a simple standard for interviews.
“Know who you’re talking to and know your questions”, he said. “Don’t push their buttons, and don’t go hunting for a scandal where there isn’t one.”
Root said he’s never had a bad experience with journalists.
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